Tenjo Hikari drove through the City following Yusei's route map.
As before, the City was still that towering city-state.
Along the spiral roads, one could drive to higher places, where the view seemed more vibrant.
However—
Compared to before, now, there were no longer barriers on each road, except for police checkpoints to prevent theft, leaving only dedicated duel lanes and other parallel lanes.
People from the Lower City Area could freely enter the Upper City Area for work, and residents of the Upper City Area could normally visit the Lower City Area.
Although it seemed that people from the Upper and Lower City Areas still had disputes or other conflicts, and some from the Upper City Area still feared or found those from the Lower City Area unclean, communications appeared to have begun.
Tenjo Hikari drove along the lane and looked back at the view below.
Six months ago, when Tenjo Hikari first arrived here, the Lower City Area was in ruins. Looking down from the elevated highways, one could see garbage everywhere, and the entire Lower City Area was a scene of black and gray decay.
But now, the Lower City Area was decorated with lights and festivity. Many basic facilities were being built, and houses were rebuilt into neat little white buildings.
Although still far from the skyscrapers of the Upper City Area, it was already progressing in a good direction.
Tenjo Hikari noticed that the drivers of passing freight trucks wore confident smiles.
But—
That confidence probably didn't come from the country or the city, but from...
[Outsiders].
Not only people from the Other Dimension, but with the hosting of the WRGP Tournament, some foreigners were also gradually arriving in the City.
This was a very terrifying thing. Although the City seemed decayed and outdated, with contradictions between upper and lower layers, it was... the most powerful country-city in the world!
The reason was simple; the people of this country mastered the [Moment]!
While other countries were still using energy like oil or even firewood, their technology, defense equipment, and armaments were free to use without cost, of course they would be mighty.
For this reason, the first President of the City, Rex Goodwin, seemed to have gained a very high reputation in this world.
Occasionally overheard conversations among passersby were filled with praise for President Goodwin. On one hand, he indeed unified the City's upper and lower layers, and on the other, he opened the use of the Moment, started more frequent trade and cooperation with other countries, allowing people globally to step into a new era. Such a person could indeed be called "great" in human history.
However—
In other people's mouths, it might not be like that.
In a racing car, three tall Northern Europeans drove leisurely, looking around.
A man with golden-black hair looked sternly around: "That Goodwin is actually willing to give up so many benefits. It seems that his ambition has grown with the exchanges with the Other Dimension."
"Haha, Dragan, maybe he can't handle it alone and needs help from other countries," laughed the red-haired guy, resting his hands behind his head. "Anyway, aren't you excited about finally having a chance to defeat your old rival this time?"
"Hmph... the Previous King..." Dragan muttered lowly.
Three years ago, his father fell seriously ill, and to cover medical expenses, he participated in the City's tournament, but at that time, Goodwin coerced him to intentionally lose to Jack under the pretext of treating his father.
This matter had always weighed on his mind.
"Dragan, Brever, let's not talk about this," the silver-haired man driving the car said softly. "Haven't you noticed that your conversation is being overheard?"
"What?!" "Could it be the security police!"
The two quickly looked out the window, only to see a man riding a bizarre skeleton D-wheel leisurely moving forward.
He wore a mask, resembling the face of some monster, yet everything else appeared normal. Seemingly aware of their gaze, the man turned to look at them, raised his hand, and said, "Yo~"
"Bastard—" Dragan immediately rolled down the window, ready to question the man, while Brever stopped him.
He laughed, "Harald, since you noticed, why didn't you warn us? Is it because... this guy..."
After speaking, his eyes reflected a strange symbol into Tenjo Hikari's view, who glanced at them and casually raised his left hand, where a red-and-black ominous hound appeared on his arm.
Dark Signer.
All three confirmed in their hearts.
At this time, the driver, Harald, spoke again: "The direction ahead on this road leads only to one place—the WRGP registration place. Although WRGP has several registration points, this road only leads to one destination. Dragan, Brever, our enemies come from various countries, cities, and even other Dimensions, Spirit Worlds... we must not take it lightly."
The two companions nodded.
Then, Harald spoke again: "Friend, you've followed us all the way. Is there something you want to say?"
"Are you... the Divine Chosen of the Nordic Gods?"
"Heh." He didn't answer, but he already had.
"I'm curious, what are you participating in this tournament for?"
The two in the back seat didn't speak, remaining silent, each with their own thoughts, while Harald calmly spoke, "To save the world."